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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesYes—but the SWTCH offer is a free Level 2 charger with a refundable deposit, not free installation or free home charging. Eligible Canadian homeowners pay a $300 CAD security deposit, a listed $30 shipping fee, and their own electrical costs. They also share charging data and must keep the charger connected to SWTCH’s network. The updated terms pay $0.03 per kWh for the first 1,500 kWh, then $0.10 per kWh afterward, subject to future changes.
Yes—but “free” means free charger hardware, not a free installation or a no-cost program. SWTCH Energy’s Canadian Home Charging Program gives eligible Canadian homeowners a Level 2 home EV charger in exchange for a refundable $300 CAD security deposit. Participants also pay shipping and all electrical work, share charging data through SWTCH’s app, and agree to keep the charger connected to SWTCH’s network.
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Under the program’s updated terms, participants earn $0.03 CAD per kWh for the first 1,500 kWh charged. After the charger reaches 1,500 kWh, the rate automatically rises to $0.10 per kWh for subsequent charging, subject to the applicable terms, app, and firmware requirements. The deposit is refunded after the 1,500-kWh threshold is recorded; it is not an additional reward.
What Canadians actually receive
The offer is intended for single-family homeowners in Canada who own, or plan to purchase, an electric vehicle. The supplied equipment is a Level 2 charger with:
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- Flex Level 1 EV Charger - The EVDANCE Level 1 electric car charger is compatible with J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (North American Standard). *Tesla requires a SAE J1772 adapter.
- Convenient to Use - This charger has both NEMA 6-20 plug for 16A 240V charging (3.68kW, 10-12 mi/h) and a NEMA 6-20 to 5-15 plug adapter for 12A 120V charging (1.44kW, 2-5 mi/h). The included bag makes it easier to carry on the go. It also has a 25ft cable length, you can use it flexibly from anywhere in the garage or driveway.
- Check Your Outlet Type -This charger works with standard 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets (2-5 mph charging speed) and 240V NEMA 6-20 outlets (10-12 mph) . It's not compatible with NEMA 6-15/10-30/14-30/14-50/6-50 outlets – you'll need a NEMA 14-50/14-30/10-30/6-50 to 6-20 adapter (sold separately) to connect.
- Compatible EV Models -This EV charger works with most major electric vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Nissan Ariya, Rivian R1S, Kia, and others. However, it's not compatible with Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop,Toyota Prus Prime/Z4X/RAV4Prime, Porsche Taycan Base/4S/Turbo/Turbo S or Tesla models (Tesla requires a J1772 to Tesla Adapter, sold separately). For a full list of compatible models, check out the Full Compatibility List on our product page.
- Indication Displays - LED display that can tell you the status as well as indicate errors while charging your electric vehicle.
- A 25-foot charging cable
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Operating temperatures listed from -30°C to +50°C
- A choice of standard SAE J1772 or NACS connector
- Plug-in or hardwired installation options
SWTCH identifies the charger family as Joint EVL007, including models EVL007/09U2 and EVL007/11U2. The plug-in version is rated at 9.6 kW and 40 amps through a NEMA 14-50 connection. The hardwired version can provide up to 11.5 kW at 48 amps, but must be installed by a licensed electrician.
The J1772 version is generally aimed at vehicles using the older North American AC-charging connector, while the NACS version is aimed at Teslas and vehicles adopting the North American Charging Standard. Connector names and model-year assumptions are not enough to guarantee compatibility, so confirm the vehicle’s inlet and the electrician’s proposed configuration before ordering.
The real upfront cost
Although the charger hardware has no upfront purchase price under the free option, the homeowner should budget for three separate costs:
| Cost | What the terms or program information say |
|---|---|
| Security deposit | $300 CAD, refundable after 1,500 kWh of cumulative charging is recorded |
| Shipping | The hardware page lists a $30 shipping charge |
| Installation | Paid and arranged by the homeowner; SWTCH does not provide installation |
A suitable existing 240-volt NEMA 14-50 receptacle may allow the plug-in model to be used without installing a new outlet. That receptacle must be correctly rated, located, protected, and wired for the charger’s requirements. If there is no suitable circuit—or if the homeowner chooses the higher-output hardwired option—a licensed electrical contractor will be required.
Before ordering, have an electrician confirm the electrical panel’s capacity, circuit requirements, wire run, disconnect and protection requirements, local permits or inspections, and whether the proposed installation complies with applicable electrical rules. If the panel cannot support the charger at full output, a load-management system or service upgrade may be necessary. Those costs can be substantially more important than the charger’s advertised hardware price.
For homeowners who decide not to use SWTCH’s network, an independently purchased Level 2 EV charger is the main alternative. That route avoids SWTCH’s program-specific deposit and network restrictions, but the buyer pays for the charger and gives up SWTCH’s charging rewards. The practical comparison is between total installed cost, warranty terms, software requirements, connector compatibility, and any rebates—not simply “free” versus “paid.”
How the deposit refund works
The $300 deposit is refunded once the charger records 1,500 kWh of cumulative charging. The terms do not impose a time limit for reaching the threshold. SWTCH’s materials estimate approximately two to five months for an average driver, but this is not a guarantee: the timing depends on annual mileage, how often the vehicle charges at home, battery size, and how much energy is added during each session.
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- Charge with Confidence: ChargePoint builds reliable, flexible EV charging stations for home, business, and fleets. Get 24/7 support and access to hundreds of thousands of North American charging locations.
- Charge Smart: With the user-friendly ChargePoint Mobile App, you can control your electric car charger, manage reminders, connect to smart home devices, find stations, get data and charging info, and access the latest features. Note: WiFi is needed for certain functionalities and troubleshooting steps if connectivity issues arise.
- Vast Network: Wherever you go, ChargePoint’s network includes 274k+ stations across North America and Europe and 565k+ roaming partner stations.
- Safe & Durable: Rely on this UL-certified EV charger for safe home charging. It can be installed indoors or outdoors by an electrician and includes a cold-resistant cable.
- Fast & Powerful: This EV charger charges 9× faster than a 120V outlet, delivering up to 45 mi/hr., dependent upon your vehicle. It features a J1772 connector for all non-Tesla EVs and requires a 20A or 80A circuit. For Tesla EVs, this will require an adapter.
After the threshold is reached, the refund is credited to the original payment method within approximately three to five business days, provided the required app and firmware conditions have been met.
Do not confuse the deposit refund with program earnings. At $0.03 per kWh, the first 1,500 kWh produces:
1,500 kWh × $0.03 = $45 CAD in earnings
That $45 is separate from the $300 deposit being returned. The rate then increases to $0.10 per kWh for later charging under the updated terms. For example:
| Total energy charged | Estimated program earnings | Deposit position |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 kWh | $45 | $300 deposit becomes refundable |
| 2,000 kWh | $95: $45 for the first 1,500 kWh plus $50 for the next 500 kWh | Deposit refund should be processed if requirements are satisfied |
| 2,500 kWh | $145: $45 plus $100 for the next 1,000 kWh | Deposit refund should already have been issued if eligible |
The updated rate applies to charging sessions beginning on or after July 1, 2026, under the June 27, 2026 terms and subject to the required software and firmware updates. SWTCH’s terms reserve the right to change rates in the future. Continued participation after a change is treated as acceptance of the modified rate, so the $0.10 rate should not be described as guaranteed for the life of the charger.
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The SWTCH Home Charging Program app displays accumulated earnings. Once the balance reaches $100 CAD, SWTCH processes a direct-deposit payout. The terms state that processing can take up to 15 business days, provided the required software and firmware conditions remain satisfied.
The payout threshold means a participant may see earnings in the app without receiving money immediately. At the updated rates, a participant who has just passed 1,500 kWh has earned only $45. Reaching $100 in program earnings requires approximately 2,050 kWh in total charging, assuming the stated rates remain unchanged: $45 for the first 1,500 kWh and another $55 at $0.10 per kWh.
Who is eligible?
The program terms require participants to:
- Be residents of Canada
- Own the property or have the legal right to install an eligible charger at the specified residential address
- Maintain a SWTCH account in good standing
- Register the charger in the SWTCH Home Charging Program app
- Maintain the required internet connection
The free-charger option is limited to one participating charger per residential property. The charger’s title transfers to the customer after successful delivery, but ownership does not make the device freely portable between software networks. While the applicable Clean Fuel Regulations program is active, the free-program charger must operate through SWTCH’s network as required by the terms.
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- WORKS WITH EVERY NON-TESLA EV: Standard J1772 connector plugs straight into Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Rivian, Lucid and every other EV or plug-in hybrid sold with a J1772 port - no adapter needed. Tesla drivers can charge too, using the J1772 adapter that comes with the car.
- PLUG IN, NO HARDWIRING: Level 2 charger delivers up to 40A to fully charge most EVs overnight. Plugs into a 240V, 4-prong NEMA 14-50 outlet (the RV/range type - NOT a dryer outlet) on a dedicated 50A circuit. The extra-long 25 ft cable easily reaches across a garage or driveway. Before ordering, check your car's port type and that you have the right outlet.
- CONTROL & SAVE FROM YOUR PHONE: A stronger built-in antenna keeps the charger online even in a garage or basement. Use the free app to start/stop charging, set speed (6-40A), get reminders, and track energy use and cost. Schedule off-peak overnight charging to cut your electric bill. Requires 2.4 GHz WiFi.
- SAFETY-CERTIFIED & WEATHERPROOF: Independently tested and certified (UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star). A fully sealed IP66 / NEMA 4 housing stands up to rain, snow, heat and dust indoors or out, and internal steel shielding protects the electronics for years of reliable use.
- GLOW-IN-THE-DARK HOLSTER: The included high-visibility holster glows in the dark so you can find and dock the plug easily at night. Holds the connector securely when not in use.
What data the program collects
The dedicated SWTCH Home Charging Program app—not SWTCH’s public-charging app—is used to register the charger, connect it to Wi-Fi, monitor energy consumption, show earnings, and track progress toward the 1,500-kWh threshold.
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SWTCH’s terms describe collection of charging-session information such as:
- Session start and end times
- Session duration
- Energy consumed
- Charging rate
- The charger’s unique identifier
The stated purposes include calculating rewards, verifying progress toward the deposit refund, and generating or aggregating applicable carbon credits. Withdrawing consent to the required program data processing ends participation. Anyone considering the offer should therefore treat data sharing and network dependence as part of the price of the program, not as incidental setup details.
The charger may continue operating during a temporary Wi-Fi outage. According to the terms, it can store session information locally and synchronize it when connectivity returns. That does not remove the ongoing connectivity requirement: being offline for 180 consecutive days can put the participant in breach and may result in forfeiture of the deposit and accrued earnings. Using the charger through a third-party network or failing to maintain the required SWTCH connection can also lead to termination and forfeiture.
Why SWTCH offers the charger
This is not a government giveaway in the ordinary sense. Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations require gasoline and diesel suppliers to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels used in Canada. The federal framework creates a credit market and allows qualifying parties to generate credits from certain lower-carbon technologies, including residential EV charging.
SWTCH aggregates residential charging data and uses the economics of applicable carbon credits to help fund the charger and participant rewards. SWTCH is the company making the offer; the government framework is the regulatory basis for the credit market. That distinction matters because program terms, rates, eligibility, and SWTCH’s participation can change independently of a homeowner’s expectations.
The free-program terms also assign applicable incentives or rebates to SWTCH. If a qualifying incentive is paid directly to the customer, the terms require the customer to remit it to SWTCH. Provincial and utility EV-charger programs differ by location, customer type, equipment, installation date, and deadline. Before assuming that a Canada EV charger rebate can be combined with this offer, check the current rules for the province and utility and read SWTCH’s incentive-assignment terms carefully.
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- [LEVEL 1 & 2 CHARGING FOR HOME, BACKUP & TRAVEL] One charger for everyday home charging, road trips, and backup use. This Level 1/2 EV charger supports both 110/120V and 240V power: use the included NEMA 5-15 adapter as a 120V electric car charger, or connect the NEMA 6-20 plug to 240V power for Level 2 charging up to 16A / 3.68kW. Whether kept in your garage or carried in the vehicle, this portable EV charger gives you more charging options when a dedicated charging station is not available.
- [8-16A ADJUSTABLE CURRENT & 1-12H DELAY CHARGING] Unlike fixed-current chargers, YLITES lets you choose 8A, 10A, 12A, or 16A to better match different outlets and charging environments. When connected to a NEMA 5-15 household outlet, current is automatically limited to 12A for appropriate circuit use. The 1–12 hour delay timer lets you schedule charging to start later, making overnight and off-peak charging more convenient. Flexible current control makes it especially practical for garages, older homes, apartments, and travel charging.
- [SAE J1772 COMPATIBILITY, SMOOTH CONNECTION & 25FT TOTAL LENGTH] Compatible with electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids equipped with an SAE J1772 charging inlet, including vehicles from GM, Nissan, Audi, Kia, Honda, BMW, Hyundai, and more. The J1772 connector is designed for smooth insertion and easy release, making everyday charging simple and convenient. With a 25FT total length, this portable EV charger offers flexible reach for garages, driveways, parking spaces, travel, and emergency backup charging. Tesla/NACS vehicles require a J1772-to-NACS adapter, sold separately.
- [SMART TFT DISPLAY & ACTIVE TEMPERATURE PROTECTION] The enhanced TFT color display provides clear real-time charging information, including voltage, current, power, charging status, and temperature. The YLITES temperature management system continuously monitors the plug-outlet connection point and can intelligently reduce current when necessary to help reduce overheating risk. Over-voltage, over-current, leakage, grounding, and insulation protection provide additional safeguards for more reliable daily charging, whether charging on 110/120V Level 1 power or 240V Level 2 power.
- [BUILT FOR SAFE & RELIABLE EVERYDAY CHARGING] Designed for repeated home and on-the-road use, the charger features an IP66 water-resistant enclosure, fire-resistant materials, and multi-layer electrical protection. It is designed to operate in temperatures from −22°F to 122°F, supporting charging in garages, driveways, and changing outdoor conditions. Combining dual-voltage flexibility, a long cable, portable construction, and multiple safety protections, this EV portable charger works as a dependable everyday charger or a convenient backup charging solution.
Warranty, cancellation, and moving rules
Warranty
The program materials describe lifetime SWTCH warranty coverage for manufacturing defects only while the relevant government-sponsored carbon-credit programs remain active, SWTCH continues to participate, and the charger maintains its required SWTCH connection. If SWTCH’s participation ends, coverage reverts to the remaining period of the original manufacturer warranty. This is narrower than a blanket lifetime warranty for every failure or situation.
Returns
An unused charger in its original condition may be returned within 30 days of delivery. The terms impose a $75 CAD restocking fee, make the customer responsible for return shipping, and state that the original shipping charge is non-refundable.
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If the free program is cancelled after the 30-day period, the customer must return the charger at their own expense. SWTCH may deduct the $75 restocking fee and repair costs for damage beyond normal wear. A cancellation after installation can therefore leave the homeowner paying for electrical work that cannot be recovered.
Moving
A participant may move the charger to another Canadian residence and retain progress toward the 1,500-kWh threshold if the account and address are updated as required. Moving outside Canada before the threshold is reached can result in forfeiture of the deposit and the end of earnings. Participation is tied to the original customer and is not transferable with a property sale.
If SWTCH ends the earnings program, the terms provide for a final earnings payout and a pro-rated deposit refund based on energy delivered. The exact process will depend on the circumstances at that time, so homeowners should not treat this provision as equivalent to an unconditional immediate refund.
Who should consider the offer?
The program is most compelling for a Canadian homeowner who:
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- Already needs a Level 2 charger
- Can install a suitable 240-volt circuit at a reasonable cost
- Has reliable Wi-Fi at the charger location
- Expects to charge enough at home to reach 1,500 kWh
- Is comfortable sharing session data and remaining on SWTCH’s network
- Does not need to preserve a provincial or utility incentive for a separate installation
It may be a poor fit for a homeowner who already owns a suitable charger, has expensive electrical upgrades ahead, expects to move outside Canada, wants to use a different charging network, objects to the required data processing, or is relying on a rebate that must remain with the homeowner.
Pre-order checklist
- Verify the vehicle connector. Choose J1772 or NACS based on the vehicle’s actual inlet and charging setup.
- Inspect the electrical service. Confirm panel capacity, circuit size, receptacle condition, grounding, and whether load management is needed.
- Get an installation quote. SWTCH supplies the charger but not the electrical installation. Use a licensed EV charger installer for the proposed work, especially for a hardwired unit.
- Check Wi-Fi at the installation point. The charger must maintain the required SWTCH connection over time.
- Calculate the full cash requirement. Include the $300 deposit, $30 listed shipping fee, permits, materials, labour, and any panel or service upgrade.
- Review local incentives separately. Confirm whether a provincial or utility incentive is active, whether the equipment qualifies, and whether accepting SWTCH’s offer assigns the incentive to SWTCH.
- Read the current terms before paying. Pay particular attention to rate changes, the $100 payout threshold, network restrictions, cancellation, moving, warranty, and data consent.
Bottom line: free hardware, with meaningful conditions
SWTCH’s offer can reduce the hardware cost of installing a home Level 2 charger, but it is not free EV charging and it is not a government-funded giveaway. The homeowner supplies a refundable $300 deposit, pays shipping and installation, accepts SWTCH’s data and network requirements, and may have to assign qualifying rebates or incentives.
The updated reward structure is more attractive after the first 1,500 kWh: $0.03 per kWh initially, then $0.10 per kWh under the stated terms. Nevertheless, the reward rate can change, payouts do not begin until $100 has accumulated, and the deposit refund depends on reaching the charging threshold while remaining compliant. Obtain an installation quote and verify incentives before treating the offer as a bargain.
Frequently Asked Questions
The charger hardware has no upfront price under the free option, but participants pay a refundable $300 CAD deposit, listed $30 shipping, and all installation costs. It is not free EV charging or a free installation.
Is the SWTCH home EV charger really free?
Under the updated terms, participants earn $0.03 CAD per kWh for the first 1,500 kWh. After that threshold, the rate increases to $0.10 per kWh for subsequent charging, subject to future term changes and required app and firmware compliance.
How much does SWTCH pay per kWh?
The deposit is refunded after the charger records 1,500 kWh of cumulative charging. The terms do not set a deadline to reach the threshold. Once requirements are satisfied, the refund is credited to the original payment method in approximately three to five business days.
When is the $300 SWTCH deposit refunded?
No. The homeowner must arrange and pay for installation. A plug-in model requires a suitable 240-volt NEMA 14-50 receptacle, while the hardwired model requires a licensed electrician.
Does SWTCH install the charger?
The free-program charger is preconfigured for SWTCH and must operate solely through SWTCH’s network while the applicable program is active. Using a third-party network or failing to maintain the required SWTCH connection can result in termination and forfeiture under the terms.
Can I use the SWTCH charger on another network?
You may move the charger to another Canadian residence and retain progress toward the 1,500-kWh threshold if you update the account and address as required. Moving outside Canada before reaching the threshold can result in forfeiture of the deposit and end of earnings.
What happens if I move?
The Bottom Line
The SWTCH program is best understood as a Level 2 charger supplied with a refundable deposit—not a completely free installation. It can make sense for Canadian homeowners who need a charger, can install it economically, expect regular home charging, and accept SWTCH’s data and network rules. Compare the $300 deposit, $30 shipping, installation cost, rebate assignment, warranty limits, and changing reward rates before ordering.
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